Lower Your Risk Of Postpartum Depression With These Six Steps

The experience of motherhood is both joyous and overwhelming at the same time. It sets a new phase in your life. Mothers look forward anxiously to the new phase. You may have amazing plans and well cut out schedules in place just waiting for the baby to check in. However, reality hits you once the baby is finally here. All the things you read in your postnatal and antenatal blogs are all but a sad fantasy.

You even watched celebs pose for photos looking all dressed up with their little ones; you are just waiting to do the same and post the photos on your Instagram page. The truth, however, dawns on you that even taking a simple bath is a luxury. Watching TV is next to impossible, and you are also unaware of what’s happening in your world.

You feel completely lost, helpless and frustrated. You think that your little girl or boy has turned into a terrorist. This kind of feeling can lead to postpartum depression. So, what are some of the things you can do to lower the risk? Here’s your guide:

Understand the triggersFor you to prevent a disease, you must understand the causes. What are some of the factors that are likely to leave you exposed to extreme baby blues? If for instance, you were not ready for the pregnancy, you may have mixed feelings about your baby. Your motherly love for the baby may turn to hatred and even have ideas of harming the baby. However, since the pregnancy is already there, you can consider going for counselling before the baby’s birth so that you can accept the situation. Other triggers include;

Baby’s poor health

Congenital disabilities

Too much trauma during childbirth

Preterm baby

Do not wait for the situation to get worse before seeking professional help.

Get adequate restDuring the fourth trimester, your baby will find it difficult to understand the world. She was used to an entirely different environment in the womb. She was cushioned from harm by the amniotic fluid. Once born, she is exposed to all manners of pollution. She will find the world around her too overwhelming. Therefore, her fussy moments will be too frequent and her sleep pattern will differ from yours. She may find it comfortable to sleep during the day and stay awake at night. For the baby, day and night are all the same. Therefore, to beat the risk of postpartum depression, adapt the baby’s schedule. Once she sleeps, do the same. This will ensure you are not too exhausted hence reducing baby blues.

Learn to seek helpAll mothers want to feel in charge. Your wish is to be entirely in control of your schedule, family and the baby. However, this may not be possible. The sudden lifestyle change could expose you to depression especially if you are not able to manage the transition.

Make it easy by seeking an extra pair of hands to help you. Talk to your spouse and hire the best confinement nanny Singapore to give you the necessary support in the daily running of your home. The nanny can prepare meals, take care of the baby and even give you a body massage occasionally.

Talk about your feelingsMembers of your family may not have an idea of what you are going through. To them, you are just another member of the family who brought forth a child. All they see is the brighter side. They have no idea you are going through a turmoil, and cannot handle the changes. Talk to them about your situation; about your feeling of despair, solitude and even frustration.

Their assurance that you are on the right track will give you the necessary strength to carry on your duties. Talking also helps in resolving any bolted feelings that may be building up within your system. You can even cry, it’s positive and quite healthy. All you need is a listening ear.

Confront your fearsThere are moments when you may not want to think about your problems. You feel helpless and consider pushing the problems to the back of your mind. Unfortunately, they will not disappear. They will always cause you more worry and fear.

What are some of the things that you are afraid of about your status? Are you worried that you do not have adequate resources to care for your child? Are you fearful that your spouse will not always be there when you need him? Some of your fears could be assumptions. Face each of your problems with possible solutions. There are those that may seem too complicated for you. Let them be. You can only do so much.

Forget perfectionNo one is perfect. Not even your parents or spouse. So how do you expect to be perfect? You will make mistakes during your motherhood journey. Your baby may even get a reaction from the food you gave her. Don’t judge yourself too harshly. The most important thing is to understand you are doing the best for the baby. If your baby gets the flu, don’t feel too sad that you could do something about it.

Bringing forth life is divine and beautiful. It is the ultimate prize of womanhood. If you have the opportunity to enjoy such a gift, embrace it with love and happiness. Let each milestone of your baby be full of joy, laughter, and endless gratitude. In case the journey gets tough, remember you are not alone. Make use of your support system and fight any signs of PPD.